Little League - Becoming a Better Neighbor

Since being notified of the possible CEQA violation the SRSD has adopted a policy that includes mandatory neighborhood outreach and compliance with CEQA for all construction projects at their schools. a. While the SRSD has a general protocol in place for Community Relations, it does not fully address community notification avenues or the means for community response or input. SRSD in the process of modifying Board Policy 1100 - Community Relations, to include a Comprehensive Communications Plan for establishing community outreach priorities.

Continuing efforts to minimize parking and dust problems have met with little if any success. a. The SRSD and SRALL jointly installed chip seal on the access road and dirt parking areas, but this proved to be inadequate. As many as 100 cars per hour use the access road during scheduled games, contributing greatly to the high dust levels. b. The SRSD has put out for bid a paving plan for the access road and parking area. The SRSD’s Director of Maintenance and Operations is working with the complainant on the paving plan, primarily the location of speed bumps and fence line setbacks. The plan calls for widening the buffer zone between neighbor’s fences and the road, 68 parking spaces, and will include a series of the newest type of speed bump. As this project is for improving an existing feature it is exempt from CEQA or local permitting. c. SRALL installed a gate at the entrance to the access road, which they lock each day upon completion of activities. Since installation of the gate the S.R.P.D. has seen a substantial drop in the number of complaints. d. The SRALL now requires parents to sign, and adhere to, a Parking Lot Agreement designed to control hours of use, speed, parking along the fence line and noise. It includes being courteous to and respectful of neighbors and their property. Enforcement of this agreement is the responsibility of the SRALL.

The SRSD, with financial assistance from the SRALL, has installed 2 motion activated security type cameras with sound capability to monitor the access road, parking area and the playing fields.

There has been a substantial reduction in the number or participants, from a high of 651 in 1992 to just 414 in 2009. Based on applications received through February, there will be even fewer participants in 2010. SRALL will field 2 fewer teams for both the minor (rookie) and “T” ball leagues, resulting in fewer games on those fields.

The License Agreement for Land Use between the SRSD and SRALL for 2010 has addressed many of the concerns of both the complainant and neighbors. The term of the Agreement is now set at one calendar year and the SRSD will hold an open public hearing prior to renewal of the Agreement for 2011. It sets forth SRALL responsibilities, including use of the public address system, parking, respecting the privacy and property of neighbors, traffic control, refraining from honking horns and using car alarms, and the installation of access barriers to keep vehicles a reasonable distance from neighbors property. Hours of use are specified during the Agreement period as from 4:30 p.m. until dark on weekdays and 8:30 a.m. until dark on weekends and holidays. It does not address penalties for failure to comply with or violation of the SRALL’s Responsibilities and Duties. CONCLUSIONS The Grand Jury found that the SRSD and SRALL are now working together to provide a safe environment for League participants as well as being good neighbors to residents of homes adjacent to the playing fields. While organized youth sports activities such as little leagues have a very positive impact on today’s youth, equally important is ensuring that these activities create and maintain a friendly relationship with all members of a community. The Jury also found that today’s economy may delay the implementation of several viable options which would either eliminate or minimize concerns expressed by neighbors during interviews and discussions. It is a possibility that violations of CEQA and the California Code of Regulations occurred during the 1996 improvements and addition of the Rookie and “T” Ball fields, as well as the chip sealing of the access road and parking area. When notified of the possible violation the SRSD initiated their current district wide policy of full CEQA compliance in addition to beginning the process of amending their Community Relations Policy to ensure neighborhood involvement. COMMENDATIONS The complainant is to be commended for bringing these matters to the attention of not only the Grand Jury, but the SRSD and SRALL. His observations and comments were invaluable to the Grand Jury during their investigation. Additionally, he worked with the SRSD’s Director of Maintenance and Operations in development of the plan for paving the access road and parking lot, including the type and location of speed bumps. Both the SRSD, including staff and the board of education, and SRALL are to be commended for their positive efforts towards rectifying the concerns of neighbors living adjacent to Monroe School and the playing fields. Neighbors along the property line are also commended for their responses, both positive and negative, to the SRSD’s request for comments, their attendance at SRSD Board meetings, and the SRALL’s Neighborhood Feedback Survey. RECOMMENDATIONS